News'Type A' Dotel files for free agency
Veteran reliever's classification could lead to Draft picksBy Scott Merkin / MLB.com
11/09/09 9:15 PM EST
CHICAGO -- The most important news surrounding White Sox reliever Octavio Dotel ran deeper than the hard-throwing right-hander filing for free agency on Monday.Dotel, who turns 36 on Nov. 25, was ranked by the Elias Sports Bureau as a Type A free agent, as was right fielder Jermaine Dye, which means the White Sox would receive two picks as compensation in the 2010 First-Year Player Draft if they sign with another team, if salary arbitration is offered by the White Sox. That classification could impact the White Sox ultimately deciding to offer Dotel said arbitration, as well as teams then taking a chance on signing him, with Draft picks being crucial in an economic climate where many teams are turning to homegrown talent.
In two seasons with the White Sox, the gregarious Dotel posted a 7-6 record with one save and a 3.55 ERA, including 167 strikeouts over 129 1/3 innings.
Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
